What is a garage conversion?

A garage conversion turns an integral or attached garage into habitable space, such as a study, playroom, bedroom or utility. The garage door is replaced with a wall and window, the floor is raised and insulated, and the walls and roof are brought up to building regulations.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Kettering?
In Kettering, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the East Midlands run about 5% below the UK average, and the figures for Kettering are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A single integral garage | £17,000–£28,500 |
| Higher specification | £28,500–£35,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Integral, attached or detached
- Heating and flooring
- Bathroom or kitchen
- Foundations under the old door opening
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion in Kettering?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England converting an integral or attached garage usually does not need planning permission, unless a condition on the house removed permitted development rights (common on estates built in recent decades) or the house is listed. Building regulations approval is always needed.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical garage conversion we handle:
- Floor raised with insulation and damp-proof membrane
- Drawings and building control application
- Foundation check under the garage door opening
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- New wall and window to replace the garage door
- Planning check for removed permitted development rights
How long does it take?
Expect 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Kettering
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
If your home is in Kettering or close by in Wellingborough, Corby and Rushden, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garage conversions in Kettering
Can a detached garage be converted?
Yes, but using it as separate living accommodation may need planning permission.
Can the floor be level with the house?
Yes. The garage floor is raised and insulated to match the house floor level.
How long does a garage conversion take in Kettering?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Converting a garage to a habitable room needs building control approval for insulation, ventilation, fire safety and the new wall.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Kettering?
In Kettering, a garage conversion typically costs £17,000–£28,500 for a single integral garage, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
